17 April 2024 , 13:44
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Graham Norton's replacement for his Virgin Radio show has been announced.
The famous broadcaster recently stepped down from the network after 13 years after deciding he wanted his "weekends back". For many, Graham was a key part of a Saturday morning with millions listening in for his programme on a weekly basis. But last month, he told listeners he would be having "one last gallop around the paddock" before hanging up his headphones.
Now, a string of celebs have been announced to fill the weekend void including a Strictly Come Dancing star and two childhood icons. The network has also announced that former Celebrity Juice star Leigh Francis (Keith Lemon) will also appear on the radio.
From April 27, Angela Scanlon who recently appeared on Strictly will have a Saturday and Sunday morning show, airing between 7am and 10am. Speaking about her new slot, the 40-year-old said: "I know how many of you have dreamt about waking up to my husky dulcet tones, well dreams come true gang!! I'll be getting up with you every weekend on Virgin Radio & I am inappropriately excited. Stick the kettle on!"
Angela Scanlon has bagged herself a job on the network (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Leigh Francis has bagged a Saturday morning slot (Anthony Harvey/REX/Shutterstock)Meanwhile, Leigh, 50, will appear on the radio every Saturday between 10am and 1pm, with Tom Allen appearing on the same slot each Saturday. But Leigh said: "I'm super excited to start my new Virgin Radio Show fresh off the back of my first ever tour! Remember Saturday mornings when telly was good? Hopefully, I can create that vibe but on the radio. Can't believe I just said vibe."
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Tom added: "I'm over the moon to be starting off Sundays in style with the perfect mix of great songs, chat and a bit of a laugh. See you there!" Elsewhere, children's TV legends Dick and Dom will be entertaining the nation for six hours over the weekend.
The comedy duo will air between 1pm and 4pm both Saturday and Sunday and they struggled to contain their excitement. The pair said: "WE'RE BACK ON THE WEEKENDS! As genuine long-term listeners and lovers of Virgin Radio we're over the moon to be joining the team. We both started our journeys in local radio so it's great to be back behind the mic. Nice to have upgraded from a bungalow to studios at the top of the tower!!!"
But that's not the only change, Olivia Jones has been introduced as the new host of the weekend late programme, with Graeme Smith taking the reins for the weekend team. Former Galaxy star Sally Bailey will be returning with Tony Shepherd. Meanwhile, former BBC Asian network star Harpz Kaur joins on the 1am to 4am slot on Saturdays and Sundays.